Volume 20 • Number 4 Fall 2017

The magazine of United Methodist Men

12th National Gathering of United Methodist Men A letter from the General Secretary

Reflections on the 12th National Gathering I was very pleased with the National Six bish- Gathering. ops attended Apparently, that joy was shared by all along with who attended. several mem- As you know this gathering was in a bers of the new place, and we used a new model for board of the event. directors of The place was St. Luke’s UMC in the General Indianapolis. They were perfect hosts. The Commission facility was awesome, the staff, and about on UM Men. 100 volunteers were outstanding. We There could not have picked a better place, and were guys many attendees expressed a strong desire from Alaska to Florida and from southern to return to St. Luke’s for our next national California to Maine. event. As you will read in this issue, it was a The format is one taken from the expe- great event. For many reading this issue, riences of South Carolina UM Men. This you will get to re-live what you experi- model allows for more personal choice enced; but for many more your reading in where you stay, eat, and what ses- may lead to an “I-wish-I-had-come” sions you selected to attend to meet your response. interests. There was a wonderful list of For those of you who did come, it was possibilities: four major speakers, 19 dif- great to be with you. For those of you ferent workshops, three hands-on mission who were not there, I want you to know projects, spirit-filled worship, and a large that we planned for you and you were number of ministries represented in the missed. ministry fair. DVD’s of the event can be ordered, We had excellent support from other and watch for multiple webinars hosted UM agencies and entities, and we wel- by some of our workshop leaders in the comed several guys who head up men’s months ahead. ministries in other denominations. I was The most common comment from the particularly blessed to have representatives event was, “God showed up!” from two very different “think tanks”: Project 12, a multi-denominational group, and the Southeast Jurisdiction’s Younger Striving to be a servant, Men; now including guys from other areas Gil Hanke of the U.S.

United Methodist Men exists to declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. contents

Vol. 20, No. 4 Fall 2017 UM Men Fall 2017 Copyright © 2017 General Commission on United Methodist Men FEATURES UMMen magazine is published four times a year, winter, spring, 5 12th National Gathering of UM Men summer and fall by GCUMM: General Commission on United Methodist Men 8 Become the “More” 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 Bring it to God (866) 297-4312 9 Internet address: http://www.gcumm.org 10 Be a part of the solution to violence Publisher: Gilbert C. Hanke against women Editor: Richard Peck Contributing Editor: Larry Coppock 11 Christian conferencing is a forgotten Editorial Assistants: Martha Davis discipline says scholar Nancy G. Self 13 Bishop invites men to become stabilizers Graphic Design: Linda Robertson, Parris Printing 14 Across the nation Change of Address: Send the mailing label with your new address to: 25 UM Men present devotional books to first UMMen responders and military troops 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 340-7145 82 Organizer of city wide celebration named to Allow six weeks for changes. SFS board

Advertising: Contact Richard Peck 30 Dad’s Zone 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 620-7264 31 MENS NEWS e-mail: [email protected] 35 SCOUTING NEWS Advertisements in UMMen do not constitute endorsement by UMMen, General Commission on United Methodist Men or The United Methodist Church. Advertisers and their agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed or representations made therein. The cover photo and all photos from the Subscription: Subscriptions are $25 a year National Gathering without photo credits (4 issues). Bulk subscriptions available. were taken by Bob Vogt. Send check or money order to: UMMen Subscription Fulfillment 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 Editor’s note: This magazine includes (615) 340-7145 articles from individuals who hold diverse Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture opinions. We hope all articles are thought contained herein is from The New Revised Standard Version. Copyright 1989, 1995. provoking; they are not necessarily the Used by permission. All rights reserved. opinions of the General Commission Articles without bylines are written by GCUMM staff. on UM Men.

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 3 his was my event put me on crutches for a month. Tfifth National It was an inconvenient time to be Gathering of UM hobbled, but a great time to find out Men. how sensitive and helpful UM men can I had the be. opportunity to What a great event. attend two previ- I never saw the racetrack that hosts ous gatherings at the Indianapolis 500, but I did see a Purdue University race car that entered the event and I from the editor from in Indiana and saw men racing hand-crank Mobility two at Belmont Worldwide carts designed for Third University in Nashville. World countries. I saw some of the 600 I’m not sure I can say the gathering attendees run potatoes to trucks from at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis was food distribution centers, and men my favorite, but I can say that I have building handicap ramps. never attended a gathering where the I also heard four stirring platform hosts were more gracious and helpful. speeches and listened to men tell about This was also the first conference I the helpful ideas they received in 19 attended on crutches, a temporary con- workshops. dition caused by my own stupidity. I It’s a joy to now share information annually participate in the Tennessee with those of you who were unable to Senior Olympics, and I survived cycling, attend the assembly in Indianapolis. several track events, the high jump, The following photos and articles will triple jump and a javelin throw without not do justice to the actual events, but injury. they may give you a glimpse into some No intelligent person can get injured of the insights gained during our two- in a swim event, but I managed to do day stay in Indianapolis. so by jumping in the pool for a back- I am indebted to Bob Vogt who stroke event. I caught my foot on the provided most of the photos of the deck causing my knee to bend in a way gathering. a knee is not designed to bend. The ­– Rich Peck

UM Men race Mobility Worldwide carts in the parking lot of St. Luke’s UMC.

Videos of the gathering are available by calling 615/620-7269.

4 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN The 12th National Gathering of UM Men — July 7-8, 2017

Fifty-four United Methodist men delivered “Discipleship –– The Contact Sport” was the 21,000 pounds of white potatoes to eight theme of the 2017 gathering. The logo occupies local agencies and three UM churches. It center stage of St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis, took 60 minutes to unload the truck and 90 and the concept was at the core of the four ple- minutes to load smaller trucks for churches nary addresses, 19 workshops, and three mission and agencies. Wade Mays, a staff member projects. of the Society of St. Andrew, coordinated the distribution.

Indianapolis, home of the “Indianapolis 500,” served as the host city for the gathering. This is the same site as a similar national gathering of Methodist Men in 1913. The Rev. Robert Fuquay, pastor of the host St. Luke’s UMC, led a workshop on flags used in auto racing and how they relate to the signals God send us in our fast-paced lives. The 630 people registered for the event were impressed and grateful for the church staff and volunteers who made two days in July comfortable and memorable.

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 5 Men join with join with Servants at Work (SAWs), a ministry of St. Luke’s UMC, that constructs wheelchair ramps. Many of the men involved in the project were from Parkway UMC in Milton, Mass.

UM Men join with Mobility Worldwide to assemble hand-crank Personal Energy Transportation (PET) carts. The three-wheel vehicles provide mobility for people in Third World nations who are unable to walk. Photo by Heather Hahn, UMNS.

6 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN Chris Karabinos leads a workshop on reaching youth and young adults. Participants could attend three of 19 workshops.

Mark Barrow, executive director of Aldersgate Renewal Ministries, serves as music director for the assembly.

Gil Hanke (left) and Larry Coppock (right) present Nick Hiratsuka with a Good Samaritan Award. Nick was honored for producing “It’s Not Just a Joke, Stop Cyberbullying” a video produced for his Eagle project. A high school senior in Tucson, Ariz., Nick serves on the technology team at St Mark’s UMC and is president of his high school film and television club. He also par- ticipates in a community theater group featured in the video. He led a workshop on cyberbullying.

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 7 Become ‘the more’

We can’t expect others to change if we are not willing to change, Bishop James Swanson tells those attending the 12th National Gathering.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.–– At the conclusion of his July 7 address, e could become better people if we the bishop gave the assembly a promise, Wwould be willing to drop old habits, “Even when we think God is unwilling to attitudes and values, said Bishop James E. have contact with us, God doesn’t disown Swanson Sr. us. And it won’t happen. You are still “The genius of God is not that God was God’s.” able to create humanity, but that God cre- The bishop invited those who wanted to ated us with the capacity to adapt and respond to God’s call to come to the grow into someone even better than what chancel to pray with conference prayer God originally created,” the bishop told advocates. more than 600 people attending the 12th National Gathering of UM Men. Now in his second term as president of the General Commission on UM Men, Swanson said, “It is a disservice to expect change in others with no commitment to change oneself.” But, he noted, while it is easy to expect others to change, it is far more difficult for us to change because we fear the grief that comes from losing the familiar. “Sometimes you refuse to change because we know the ‘new you’ will demand more out of you. And you are not Prayer advocates meet with those responding to invitation at the first session of the July gath- at the point where you are willing to ‘up ering in Indianapolis. your game’.”

8 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN ‘Bring it to God’ Bishop L. Jonathan Holston

“The disciples could only find five loaves and two fishes,” said Bishop Holston during the closing sermon at the National Gathering.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.— with the leftovers. eaning on Matthew’s story of the “Feed- “We too often think of what we can’t do Ling of the 5,000,” South Carolina Area instead of what we can do,” said Holston. Bishop L. Jonathan Holston closed the assem- “When you think you don’t have enough, bly with a story of how the disciples were sure give it to God. You’ll do more than you ever there would never be enough to feed the thought you could do.” multitude. The bishop recalled how he used the same They could find only two loaves and five principle to increase the number of men fishes. attending annual South Carolina retreats. “They talked out of their poverty,” said the In 2013, only 150 people attended. bishop. “I thought, wait a minute, I serve a God who Jesus asked the disciples to give him the has a God-size vision,” said Holston. “So, I loaves and fishes. said, ‘Next year, we’re going to have 500.’ You “He took what they had and gave it back to could have heard the breath go out.” them and said, ‘Go’,” said the bishop. Like the disciples, the bishop said, the men With that modest beginning the disciples only saw five loaves and two fish. fed 5,000 people, and they filled 12 baskets Nevertheless, they prayed for God’s guid- ance, and they invited their neighbors. The next year, 576 attended the retreat. The number jumped again in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, 1,200 people attended. “We stopped saying, what we can’t do and gave everything to God,” he said. “We aren’t perfect people, but we serve a perfect God, and God can change the world. “Now is the time for UM Men to make a difference,” he said. “Bring it all and watch God lift it up, bless it, and give it Bishop Holston breaks bread during the back to you.” closing Communion service. UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 9 Be part of the solution to violence against women INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.–– violence and how his han Foster, a former NBA basketball star mother was physi- Sand director of a YWCA program to cally and emotionally combat domestic violence, urged men at- abused by her first tending the National Gathering to be “part husband, Foster of the solution” to violence against women said, “As a young and girls. boy, I could never talk “Men and boys have become so desen- about the violence I Shan Foster sitized to violence that we buy tickets to saw. It wasn’t manly to games in support of athletes who beat their do so. So I held it in.” wives and vote for men in elections who He urged men to share and learn from normalize disrespecting women’s body by their experiences. saying, ‘It’s just locker room talk’,” said 3. Choose wisely. Foster told about Foster. an experience at Vanderbilt when he The all-time leading scorer for Vanderbilt was challenged to fight. A teammate University basketball teams cited five truths advised him, “If you fight him, win or men need to know about domestic violence: lose, it won’t make you a man, it will ✓✓ One in four women experiences make you stupid.” “Sometimes being a domestic violence in her lifetime. man means walking away. Who cares what others think,” said Foster. ✓✓ One in four women experiences sexual assault or abuse before she reaches 4. Speak up. “Our silence is a problem,” age 18. he said. “We have a problem when men find it more important to fit in and ✓✓ One in five women is sexually assaulted not offend, than to call out the sexist or raped during college. jokes that we hear in the locker room. ✓✓ Every day three women are killed It’s not women’s responsibility to stop by men who say they love them. men from objectifying them, it’s ours.” ✓✓ 15.5 million children witness abuse 5. Encourage and celebrate. “We must in the U.S. every year. celebrate men in our community who “It’s this culture that is objectifying women get it right and encourage young men and girls and it’s this culture that we must and boys so they won’t get it wrong.” challenge and change,” said Foster. 6. Contribute. “Find ways to support He offered six principles to change the programs, initiatives and effort that culture: teach healthy manhood and healthy relationships. When you give of your 1. Be you. Be who God has called you to be. time, money and efforts, it connects 2. Learn and share. Social media have your heart to a mission greater than taken this world by storm with 21.25 yourself,” said Foster. He reported the million Facebook posts, 347,222 tweets, UM Men are helping develop an 8-week and 300 You Tube videos posed every curriculum where men can discuss the minute. But there is little meaningful root causes of violence, define healthy discussion and learning. Recalling how manhood, and learn how to safely the marriages of both of his grand- intervene in situations that objectify mothers ended in divorce because of women and support violence.

10 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN Christian conferencing is the forgotten discipline, says scholar INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.— ohn Wesley regarded “Christian con- Jferencing” as one of the five essential practices of the faith, said Dr. Kevin Watson, a professor at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta. Wesley defined Christian conferencing as “the practice of cultivating growth in holiness in community through conversa- tion about our experience of God.” Speaking to a July 8 session of the National Gathering of UM Men, Watson said Wesley considered Christian confer- encing in small groups to be as important as searching the Scriptures, receiving the Eucharist, prayer, and fasting. He told the assembly that early Methodists participated in two forms of Christian conferencing: 1) “Class Meetings” where 7 to 12 people would meet to answer the question “How does your soul prosper?” and 2) “Band Meetings” where groups of three to five were separated by gender to confess their sins and dig deeper into the faith. “Wesley was adamant that holiness required to maintain membership. occurs within the context of a community In 1776, only 2.5 percent of the colo- of faith,” said Watson. “We should not nists were Methodist adherents. By 1850, pursue holiness in isolation from brothers a whopping 34.2 percent of Americans and sisters in Christ.” were members of the Methodist Episcopal “The classes and bands have often been Church. referred to as the sinews of Methodism, “The class meeting was at the epi- that which connects muscle to bone and center of the explosive growth of makes movement possible,” he said. American Methodism,” said Watson. And Focus on transformation, not information Methodism decline occurred with the dis- “Class meetings were small groups continuation of this form of Christian focused on transformation, and not infor- conferencing. mation. It was not a group study of a The decline of class meetings book, or even the Bible. The content was “The rise of the Sunday school move- the participants’ lives with God.” ment worked to bring Methodism’s Watson said that as Methodism came attention away from the class meeting to the American continent, class meet- so that it gradually died, not by being ings and band meetings were considered rejected but due to a lack of attention and essential practices. Weekly attendance was

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 11 they aren’t practicing what they do know,” he said.

Hard wired for connection “We are hard wired for connections,” said Watson. “And class meetings are places where people can grow in faith and holiness.” He suggested that if men don’t connect with others in Christian conferencing they will connect with less constructive groups. Watson celebrated the ways in which UM Men have utilized his book to create small group meetings across the U.S. He said some people will be surprised to learn that men are more likely to join these small accountability groups than women. “Men who love Jesus want spiritual Dr. Kevin Watson brothers,” he said. “And you don’t need a seminary degree to lead a group of interest. people.” “Methodists shifted to learning about Watson says the reason some people their faith instead of practicing their faith,” resist participating in class meeting is said Watson. because we have to let ourselves “be out Watson’s book The Class Meeting has of control,” but “every time I create that helped Methodists recover this “tried and space God shows up.” tested vehicle” to shift from sharing infor- He invited the assembly to “take some mation to a focus on transformation. time to find a brother and share what God “The crisis of United Methodism isn’t is doing in your life. If you’re not in a class that people don’t know enough, it is that meeting consider starting one.”

Volunteers operate prayer line

igdiel Perez, director of the Nash- Mville-based prayer line, provided training for 15 volunteers who served six hours during each of the two days of the gathering. Volunteers received 45 calls from people across the U.S., including one from Indianapolis. “Out of this experience new remotes will be started at local men’s groups by those who took the training,” said Perez. Earlwyn Benjamin answers a prayer request at the Upper Room Prayer Center while Kenneth Hudgins provides emotional support.

12 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN Bishop invites men to become ‘vitalizers’ INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — e’re not sure it’s really a word, but WArkansas Area Bishop Gary E. Mueller invited 130 participants attending a dinner honoring people inducted into the John Wesley Society to become “vitalizers.” Noting there were 130 people attending the July 7 dinner Mueller recalled a quota- tion from John Wesley: “Give me one hundred preach- ers who fear nothing but sin, and desire noth- ing but God, Glenn Wintemberg, president of the UM Men and I care not a Foundation, welcomes members of the John straw whether Wesley Society to the dinner. Rick Vance and Joe they be clergy- Strausbaugh, staff members of the General Com- th th Bishop Gary Mueller, vice men or laymen; mission on UM Men became the 811 and 812 president of the General such alone will member of the society during the evening. Each Commission on UM Men, member represents a $1,000 gift to the founda- shake the gates addresses participants in tion for men’s ministry and scouting ministry. the John Wesley Society of hell and set up the kingdom of Dinner. “God is calling you to important work,” heaven on Earth.” he said. “We need ‘vitalizers’ to make Noting that there were more than 100 disciples for the transformation of the men attending the dinner, Mueller invited world. Are you ready?” them to become “vitalizers” who can “help men grow in Christ so others may know Christ.”

Following the address, Bishop James Swanson (left), president of the General Commission on UM Men, surprised Bishop Mueller by inducting him into the John Wesley Society and present- During the dinner, Johnnie Draughon, a men’s ing him with a plaque and a pin. ministry specialist in Virginia Beach, Va., pre- sented his wife, Marilyn with a Susanna Wesley Award of Excellence.

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 13 POWDER SPRING, Ga.— PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss.— Volunteers provide free car care Men aid flood victims in three cities Led by David McCoy, UM Men of Men of De Lisle Mt. Zion UMC worked McEachern Memorial UMC repair cars with men of Broadmoor UMC of Baton for those who cannot afford to fix them. Rouge, La., to help Volunteers at the Car Care Ministry never families recover from charge for labor, and if the “customer” a flood. They pro- can’t afford the parts, they give those too. vided construction Joe Mikos first came to the ministry supplies, engaged in to get a power steering demolition work, and pump put on his truck. gave out clothes and “A little while later, they several hundred pairs start wheeling in four tires. of new shoes. Jim Smith of St. I was like, ‘I can’t afford The De Lisle Mt. Zion James UMC in tires.’” men also joined with Ocean Springs, “Don’t worry about UM Women of St. Paul Miss., removes it,” a volunteer told him, UMC in Pass Christian drywall of Baton “Your tires are bald. You to provide meals for Rouge house need tires.” So, the minis- 300 victims and vol- Car Care damaged by flood try gave him four tires. unteers in Cosby, Miss. waters. volunteers also Joe, a cancer survivor, The two churches also fix up donated now volunteers at the provided 500 meals to families in Hatties- cars and give ministry nearly every day. burg, Miss., following tornadoes there. them away.

14 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN NAPERVILLE, Ill.— Suits for success Bill Denwood, a member of Community UMC and the Illinois chapter of Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries, was unable to facilitate Disciple Bible studies at the Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, Ill. However, last November the maxi- mum-security prison asked for suits to give prisoners on the days of their release. Bill responded. He created a website, received dona- Glenn Wintemberg and Matt Beyes stand tions from several churches, and secured next to 67-year-old pillars. the cooperation of Illinois Professional Dry Cleaners to provide 612 clean suits to give a labyrinth prayer garden at Mt. Zion UMC to the men as they leave prison walls. for his Eagle project. Glenn suggested the Bill hopes to expand the ministry across granite columns would make a special the nation. entranceway to the labyrinth. Matt’s father provided a heavy-duty Ford pickup and a trailer to take the columns from Fredericktown to St. Louis. However the 8-ton columns and worn trailer tires were too much. Not just one, but two tires blew out during the 90-mile trip. After the second blowout Matt strapped the axle on the side with the blown tire and the pair pulled a trailer riding on only three tires back to Mt. Zion UMC. The Stateville Correctional Center. Two granite columns now grace the entryway to the prayer labyrinth.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.— ARLINGTON, Tenn.­— Truck blows two tires delivering granite Scouts build ramps for two hospice columns to church patients Two five-foot granite columns once In 2014, Scouts in a troop chartered by marked the entrance to Vesper Hill at Arlington UMC responded to a request “Epworth among the Hills Retreat Center” by Rachel Bolik, a staff member of Meth- in Arcadia, Mo. The entranceway to the odist Hospice. She asked troops in the prayer area was built by Methodist Men Chickasaw BSA Council to fund and build in 1950. wheelchair ramps for children and teens When the Arcadia retreat center closed, receiving end-of-life care. the columns were reset at the Blue Moun- Boy Scout Troop 452 responded by tain Retreat Center in Fredericktown in building a ramp at a patient’s home. And, 2007. Seven years later, that center also in 2015, the troop built another wheel- closed. chair ramp for one of their own—Dianne Glenn Wintemberg asked Missouri Con- Young, the mother of two members of ference, the owner of the retreat center, if Troop 452. At that time, she was battling he could have the columns. The confer- multiple brain tumors. She died in Sep- ence granted the request. tember, 2016. In 2015, Matt Beyes proposed building On Scout Sunday in 2017, Richard Fisher,

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 15 chief executive Finally, Keith told the gathering at Blue officer of the Hill UMC that just as Nehemiah used the Chickasaw Coun- right tools, so must we use tools based on cil, and Bolik had understanding of the biological principles an opportunity to of soil conservation. thank Troop 452 for enhancing LAKEWOOD, Ohio— the quality of life Volunteers package food for hungry for two hospice families patients. The men’s organization of Lakewood Teresa Pink- UMC recruited volunteers to package food ston-Rector, scout- for hungry people in the Cleveland area. ing coordinator Scouts build a handi- for the Arlington cap ramp for Dianne church, announced Young. that Scouts wished to dedicate the Scout Sunday celebration in memory of Dianne and former Cub Master Jim Gaylor. The pack and troop both received the Bishop’s Award of Excellence and Cub Master Buddy Burkett was named Council “Alumnus of the Year” by the BSA national Members of Lakewood UMC. office. AURORA, Ill.— BLUE HILL, Neb.— Men portray Last Supper Rebuilding soil compared to rebuilding Leonardo Da Vinci’s 1497 “The Last Jerusalem wall Supper” fresco came to life in a Holy Week Keith Berns told 65 men from 20 performance by UM Men of Wesley UMC. churches in the Prairie Rivers District that rebuilding soil is similar to Nehemiah’s epic project of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem. Keith, co-owner of Green Cover Seed in Bladen, said just as Nehemiah cared deeply about the destroyed walls, so too, do we need to care about soil erosion and so too, must we prepare thoroughly and act boldly. Nehemiah’s workers, like farm The Rev. John Bell, pastor of Wesley UMC, workers today, must share a common portrays Judas, and Joe Rigaud portrays vison, be willing to learn, and not be over- Jesus. Photo by Al Benson. whelmed by their task.

SMITHBURG, Md.— Potato drop feeds 5,000 families Seventy volunteers from Bethel UMC and Centennial Memorial UMC hosted a potato drop that provided food for 33 Keith Berns (right) tells men of the Prairie organizations in two Maryland counties River District about ways to combat soil and a couple of locations in West Virginia erosion. and Pennsylvania.

16 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN Ten volunteers unloaded 880 fifty-pound neighbor, and to the civic community. bags of potatoes for major food-distribu- He also told 90 clergy and lay people tion centers and other volunteers broke of the Meridian District that the religious, down the heavy bags into 900 ten-pound vocational, and educational aspects of bags for churches and senior citizen com- scouting help shape Christian consciences. plexes. Twenty-eight of the representatives from The project provided potatoes for 5,000 45 churches signed covenant cards saying families. they will encourage youth to participate in “Thanks for all of the volunteers that PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities with came from Bethel, Centennial, and all the Youth) classes, observe Scout Sunday, and other churches, as well as the companies explore the formation of new Scout units. that allowed us to use their machinery, equipment and trucks for this project,” said Pastor Mark Claiborne Sr., who served as a staff member of Centennial Memorial UMC in Frederick and president of the Frederick District UM Men.

Bishop James Swanson Sr. underscores the importance of scouting ministry at a luncheon attended by 90 clergy and lay people from 45 churches in the Meridian District.

Bishop James Swanson Sr. addresses a Bishop’s Luncheon for Scouting.

Seventy volunteers provide potatoes for TAVARES, Fla. — 33 organizations. Men provide breakfast for high school graduates UM Men annually sponsor a breakfast MERIDIAN, Miss. — for graduates of Tavares High School. Bishop Swanson boosts scouting Students sign up in advance for the Bishop James Swanson Sr., president meal, and in 2017, some 150 students of the General Commission on UM Men, enjoyed pancakes and sausages before held an April 25 “Bishop’s Luncheon for their first-period classes. The church is Scouting” at Central UMC. conveniently located within walking dis- The bishop said the values stressed tance of the school. in scouting help young people develop “Boy, did we get a good group this year. a sense of responsibility to God, family, I believe it’s one of our largest so far,” said

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 17 Don Sansone, president of UM Men. “This PENSACOLA, Fla. — church is committed to honoring these Conference honors top local unit students who honored their commitment Cokesbury UM Men of Pensacola was to succeed in their studies and graduate.” named the top UM Men unit in the Ala- The church hosts events for students bama West Florida Conference. throughout the year, including pre-game The 52-member unit has 31 EMS mem- meals for football players and a baccalau- bers and one legacy builder. reate service. Since being reorganized in 1982, the “I’m thankful they open their doors for men have presented 17 Life Membership us,” senior David Miller said. “I’m also a Awards and two Susanna Wesley Awards football player so I loved the pre-game of Excellence. meals. The food is always good.” Cokesbury men serve meals to the homeless, answer prayer requests for an Upper Room remote prayer line, and pro- vide support for a Scout troop, a Cub pack, the Kairos prison ministry, the Wesley Foundation, and other ministries.

Graduating seniors enjoy a breakfast pre- pared by UM Men at Tavares UMC. Photo courtesy of the Daily Commercial.

FLORENCE, S.C.— Men build ramps, clear downed trees Men of Cumberland UMC have been building ramps for 15 years. They also cut up and removed trees downed by Hurri- Frank Moore (left), president of the cane Matthew. Alabama West Florida Conference UM Men, presents the “2017 Joe Garris Sr. Award for Outstanding Men’s Ministry” to Mike Moser, president of Cokesbury UM Men.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Volunteers build homes after fire Some 125 volunteers spent April 29 building frames for eight houses for low-income families who lost everything in Cumberland UM Men gather on a newly a November wildfire that killed 14 people. The building effort was coordinated by built ramp for Thelma Long. From left: Holston Conference, the Mountain Tough Milton Phillips, Long, Clifford Parr, Dr. Recovery Team, and the Appalachia Ser- David Gittens, Wallace Felder, Woodrow vice Project. Lyde, the Rev. Ted Brown, and Lonnie Holston Conference and churches across Davis. the nation provided more than $400,000 for the building effort.

18 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN Lunch was provided by First UMC of WICHITA, Kans. — Pigeon Forge. What makes a man a man? “I praise God for having all this. I know Dan Schaffer, founder and director everything comes from Him,” said Glenna of Building Brothers, was the principal Ogle, 76, the first recipient of a new speaker at an April gathering of men from house. several communities in Kansas and a few Volunteers hope to build 25 homes from Nebraska. during 2017. Dan challenged the men to search for answers to the question, “What makes a man a man?” and “What makes his life worth living?” He also asked men to discover the role of repentance in finding the answers to these questions. The men shared their stories and contin- ued their discussion in small group settings after each of the sessions with Dan. This third annual gathering raised $1.000 to support students attending Christian colleges in Kansas.

Volunteers carry the framing of a wall for a new house in Gatlinburg.

HAMPTON, Va. — Church sponsors four PRAY class First UMC of Fox Hill sponsors all four PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities with Youth) classes. The largest class was the “God and Life Class.” Twelve of the 24 participants were high school students, and four achieved Four-Star (winners of all four awards) status. “Students saw the Four Star Award as a chance to earn something truly elite, more so than the Eagle or Gold Award,” said Shan Sixbey, coordinator of the program. The Rev Mike Marion and Victor Peterson welcome men to a gathering hosted by Calvary UMC. Men from five communities surrounding Wichita and from as far away as Columbus attended the gathering.

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. — A sofa? That’s “strictly a luxury” For 39 years, Cape Hatteras UM Men have provided emergency assistance for Hatteras Islanders. Following Hurricane Matthew in Octo- Twenty-four young people receive PRAY ber, 2016, the 62-member group provided awards. more than $140,000 in relief along with hundreds of volunteer hours rehabbing

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 19 Frisco is the proud owner of a new Cape Hatteras UM Men, wives, and a refrigerator. middle school softball team, repaint houses and providing food. another home for a grateful family. “Frisco Mo,” an 87-year-old resident, AURORA, Ill. — asked Cape Hatteras UM Men to help a Men build Habitat House neighbor. When they responded, Frisco About 35 volunteers from Grace UMC in insisted that he was OK and others were Naperville. Ill., started a Fox Valley Habitat in greater need. But it was apparent that for Humanity house for an Aurora family. he needed a refrigerator. A friend had The Rev. Jeff Barrett, Habitat executive given him a bed and he had salvaged his director and pastor of Genesis Community stove, washing machine, and a chair. When Church, Montgomery, prayed for volunteers asked what else he needed, he mentioned before they went to work. that he missed his sofa where he and his Church teams will work Saturdays to cat used to sit. That, he added, would be complete the four-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom “strictly a luxury.” project by November. UM Men bought him a new refrigerator and sofa, and helped him get some heat. Later, a friend offered to take him to Florida to recuperate; he accepted.

Naperville resident Josh Freeman, a mem- ber of Grace UMC in Naperville, cuts a board with aid from Scout House, Photo by Al Benson.

MT VERNON, Ohio — Husband and wife team Ray and Claire Ten years of helping others Schaaf operate the Cape Hatteras UM In 2007, six girls joined a Girl Scout troop Men food pantry. For 17 years, the couple affiliated with South Vernon UMC. has distributed food along with some During the following 10 years, the girls comforting and counseling when needed. found numerous ways to love their neighbors.

20 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN They collected disaster kits for victims of floods and fires, provided personal hygiene supplies for the homeless, made “blankets of belief” for a combat team in Iraq, held a “shower in a box” for a baby who was born while her father was deployed, and collected toys to replace those lost in a fire at the home of a class- mate. They also filled Christmas stockings for soldiers, built picnic tables for a camp, From left: Camilla Gaarn Roed, Hanke, held a dance camp for children, provided Atle Stokke and Bishop Alsted. food for families on school breaks, held a health fair for senior citizens, made blan- Summit in West Virginia. kets for an animal shelter, and provided scarves for women in a domestic violence NATCHITOCHES, La. — Skeet shoot raises $6,600 for Nepal shelter. school A Father’s Day skeet shoot sponsored by UM Men of Natchitoches UMC raised $6,600 to help rebuild a girl’s school in Nepal that was destroyed by an earth- quake. Fifty-six shooters in 14 teams vied for bragging rights in the third annual “Pull Together Clay Shoot.” UM Men have also provided scholar- ships, career guidance for marginalized and at-risk girls and young women in Proud members of Troop 214. Nepal. Winners received hand chiseled slate OSLO, Norway — plaques created by a Nepalese father and Hanke meets Norwegian Scout leaders his children. During a May meeting of the Connec- First place for a youth team went to tional Table, General Secretary Gil Hanke Bryce Moulton, son of Dr. Mike and spent an evening with two representatives Patrice Moulton, who had been in Nepal of scouting programs in Norway. for past two months. The meeting was arranged by their host, Nordic and Baltic Area Bishop Christian Alsted. As they shared information about scout- ing in their two nations, they found both similarities and differences. For example, in Norway, scouting is co-educational at every level, unlike the U.S. where that happens only with the older teens. Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey takes aim “Following a worldwide tradition, we at a clay target. Councilman at Large Don exchanged patches, information about Mims stands behind him. Photo by Kevin resources, and wonderful stories,” said Shanahan, courtesy of The Natchitoches Hanke. Parish Journal. The friends hope to see each other again at the 2019 World Jamboree at the

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 21 ATLANTA, Ga. — destroyed by the 2014 Carlton Complex Scout committee hosts training day wildfire. The lightning-caused fires in The UM Committee on Scouting of the the Methow Valley burned more than North Georgia Conference held its first 250,000 acres and destroyed 300 houses “UM Academy of Scouting” on April 22 at The men also tutored junior high school Peachtree Road UMC. students and built a cottage for the home- The half-day training event encouraged less in South Kitsap County. churches to start Boy Scout and Girl Scout The active group also handouts popcorn troops and invited adults to participate and water bottles at a car show and pro- in Big Brother Big Sister programs. The vides coffee at a rest stop alongside of an 37 participants were also invited to start interstate highway. Offerings from those PRAY (Programs of Religious Activities with giveaways provide funds for youth mission Youth) classes. trips and church building projects. More than half of the 11 courses offered were designed to help Scouts and church leaders learn how to build “Duty-to-God” activities into their Scout programs. Early results indicate two churches are planning to start Big Brother Big Sister programs and one is planning to start a Cub Scout pack. The 2014 Carlton Complex wildfire was the Participants came from three annual largest in the history of Washington state. conferences, eight Boy Scout conferences, and two Girl Scout conferences. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A second academy is scheduled for April, Cub pack receives Bishop’s Award 2018. Cub Scout Pack 11, sponsored by Chest- nut Memorial UMC, received the Bishop’s Award of Excellence for picking up trash at 188 campsites at a local park and for par- ticipating in campouts and Scout Sunday activities. The church received Shepherd Church Charter Recognition and was named “Charter Organization of the Year” by the Monitor Merrimac BSA District. Julie Merkel and Janet Cooper, leaders of Pack 11, received Cross and Flame Awards, and Dick Barnes received the Silver Beaver Award. Kyle Redner, a staff member of Big Broth- ers Big Sisters, explains how the mentor- ing program can help a church deliver on its commitment to make disciples of Jesus Christ. He is helping two churches start mentoring programs.w

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — Men rebuild homes destroyed by fire Chestnut Memorial UMC celebrates Scout For three consecutive years UM men of Port Orchard UMC have rebuilt homes Sunday with Girl Scout Troop 1260, Cub Scout Pack 11, and Boy Scout Troop 11. 22 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN ROANOKE, Va. — GENESEO, Ill. — Scouts honor deceased veterans Troop celebrates centennial Scouts from Troops 18, 235, 540 and Boy Scout Troop 131, chartered by Pack 30 spent a rainy Memorial Day placing Grace UMC, celebrated its 100th anniver- 1,000 flags on the graves of veterans at sary. Mountain View Cemetery. It was charted in 1917 by a local Kiwanis Club, and later by the UM con- gregation.

Scouts are joined by their families in the Present and former Scout leaders celebrate annual placing of flags on the graves at the 100-year anniversary of Troop 131. a Roanoke cemetery. From left: Former Assistant Scoutmaster Steve Wildemuth, Life Scout Sam Bridges, CECILTON, Md. — Assistant Scoutmaster Nathan Nicke, Life Men clear debris from parsonage property Men of Zion UMC and St. Paul UMC Scout Lucas Nicke, Assistant Scoutmaster cleared debris from the parsonage lot of Paul Flynn, Scouting Ministry Special- Cecilton UMC Parish. ist Mark Lohman, Life Scout Matthew An ice storm caused an oak tree to fall, Lohman, Eagle Scout Daniel Lohman, and and the ice broke limbs off of 23 pine Committee Chair Jody Rathman. trees SPRINGFIELD, Va.— Armed with chain saws, rakes, trucks, Scouting program reaches 60 families clippers and a chipper, UM Men of the St. John’s UMC has sponsored a Cub parish trimmed the bushes, removed the Scout pack and branches, and raked the property. a Boy Scout The men provided breakfast to the vol- troop for 50 unteers and finished their work by 3 p.m. years. It has as rain moved into the area. sponsored a Venturing crew for 15 years. Ken Davis, the chartered organization representative, says the scout- ing ministry engages 60 families in the Men put broken branches into a rented community. chipper. Scouts prepare to observe “Most of the Scout Sunday at St. John’s UMC.

UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 23 families are not members of the church,” said Davis, “so the ministry is serving the community.” Ken reports that each year two to three Scouts in the 35-member troop achieve the rank of Eagle. With 62 years of experience in scouting, including service as a scoutmaster, Ken encourages local churches to begin scout- ing ministries. Scouting and UM Men leaders participate “It costs us virtually nothing except for in a Ministry Fair at a June session of the some help from UM Men and decent Desert Southwest Annual Conference in oversight by the chartered organization Glendale, Ariz. From left: Chuck Moyer , representative,” says Ken. “But someone scouting coordinator of the South District; needs to take the lead and help educate churches and especially pastors.” Bishop Robert Hoshibata; Douglas Wright conference scouting coordinator; and David James, conference president BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — of UM Men. Volunteers explain importance of scout- ing and men’s ministry BONNER SPRINGS, Kans.— Every May and June, volunteers provide Cubs receive “Good Book” patches people attending annual conference ses- Following “God and Me” and “God and sions with information about scouting and Family” courses, Cub Scouts affiliated with ministries with men. Bonner Springs UMC wanted to engage Some conferences allow time during in additional PRAY (Programs of Religious plenary sessions for reports from these Activities with Youth) classes. Lauren leaders. Nearly all conferences provide Grant, director of children’s ministry, led display areas. “The Good Book” studies, a PRAY pro- gram for people of all ages. Some parents joined the classes.

Steve Bays, a scouting ministry specialist, operates a scouting display adjacent to the UM Men table at the Kentucky Annual Conference at the Sloan Convention Center in Bowling Green, Ky. Cub Scouts receive “Good Book” patches.

24 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN UM Men present devotional books to first responders and military troops

BEAUMONT, Texas BALTIMORE, Md. City honors first responders Chaplain distributes devotional books City residents may First Lieutenant Amor Woolsey, chaplain have wondered what of the 5th Regiment Armory, distributed sort of emergency copies of Strength for Service to God and situation caused police Country to members of the Maryland cars, ambulances, EMS National Guard. vehicles, and fire trucks Amor also serves as pastor of caring to be jammed together ministries for Kent Island UMC in Chester, near the entrance of Md. the 1,800-seat Julie The Rogers Auditorium. books were New York Firefighter In fact, they huddled Joe Torrillo tells first provided by to mark “Duty Calls: responders they World Wide Honoring Our First were given copies of Technology, Responders,” a March Strength for Service a St. Lou- Members of the Maryland event at which first as a way of saying, is-based com- National Guard receive SFS books. responders were given “We have your back.” pany, which copies of Strength for provided the Nashville-based Strength for Service to God and Community. Service Corporation with 30,000 copies Dan Ramsey told the assembly of the of the book first published in 1942 by the history of the books, and Lieutenant Joe Methodist Publishing House. Torrillo, a retired New York firefighter, who miraculously survived the 2001 collapse of GULF SHORES, Ala. both World Trade Towers, was the principal Fire fighters receive devotional books speaker. Members of Gulf Shores UMC presented copies of Strength for Service to God and WAVERLY, Tenn. Community to local fire fighters on May 4, Church gives 100 devotional books to National Firefighters Day. first responders “The fire Men of First UMC hosted a picnic for first fighters received responders, and they presented 100 copies us graciously of Strength for Service to God and Com- and we were munity to the public servants of Humphreys thankful for the County. opportunity to Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy thank them for Trott expressed his appreciation for the ded- their dedicated ication and sacrifice of the first responders, service,” said Steve Means, president of and the Rev. Thad Collier, pastor of the First the church’s UM Men. UMC, conducted a celebration. WAYLAND, Mich. Church gives devotional books to first responders Keith Anderson, a scouting ministry specialist at Wayland UMC, raised enough money to provide 26 books for local EMS workers and firefighters. UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 25 Keith said he first learned about the presented Strength for Service books to devotional books at a national UM Scouter police officers and firefighters on the Workshop at Philmont Scout Ranch in National Day of Prayer. New George Hampton prayed over the books Mexico. for police and Steven Smith prayed over Since then, the books for firefighters. he has handed MANSFIELD, Texas out the Church distributes 200 books to first original responders Keith Anderson presents Community of Hope Church purchased book to Robin Nyenhuis, a local EMT and gave out 200 SFS books to first new Eagle official and a member of Wayland Scouts and UMC, with a copy of Strength for responders in Mansfield. The Rev. Jay people Service to God and Community. Fraze is pastor. entering military service. He received the book for first responders at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree in West Virginia and he now uses devotions from the book at the beginning of every meeting of a combined youth group and Venturing crew. Dan Burdan, police chaplain and victim CAZENOVIA, N.Y. assistance coordinator, speaks to the Men give devo- Community of Hope congregation about the tional books “Shield a Badge” program in which people George Sanford, agree to pray daily for an officer for a year. The president of the program was begun in 1988 by Bernadette and Genesee Valley Peter Henz, parents of three Texas police officers. District UM Men of HUTCHINSON, Kans. the Upper New York Chaplain distributes devotional books Conference asked John Burlew, a long- Captain Jason Sperling, chaplain of 161st men to provide time leader of UM Field Artillery Regiment Military Unit: distrib- copies of Strength Men, presents a book uted 25 copies of SFS military books to mem- for Service to God to Joanne Gerbig, a bers of the Kansas Army National Guard. and Community to dispatcher for local police officers, Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance fire fighters and Corps. other first responders.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas Books provided on National Day of Prayer Members of Northwest Hills UMC

Chaplain Sperling (left) hands a copy of Strength for Service to a member of the Kansas National Guard. The books were provided by World Wide Technology. Members of the San Antonio Police Depart- ment receive Strength for Service books.

26 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN VICKSBURG, Miss. counselors for 46 agencies in the Houston Men give 300 books Area. Men from five churches in the UMM The former police officer also presented Warren Vicksburg Cluster purchased 300 90 copies of the books for the military to SFS books James Marion a counselor of Camp Hope, for first a facility that cares for military personnel responders. Participat- ing UM churches included Gibson Memorial, Members of Porters Chapel Hawkins, UMC unpack SFS books and Porter’s add labels prior to distribution. From left: Senior Chaplain J.C. Straus, Chapel, Dan Ramsey, Chaplain Paul Tabor, and Redwood, Chaplain Tom Reyes and Crawford Street.

HARRISONBURG, Va. Ramsey, former president Spaghetti supper raises funds for of the National Association devotional books of Conference Presidents of The Otterbein UM Men sponsored a spa- UM Men, delivered 192 cop- ghetti supper to purchase 52 SFS books ies of Strength for Service to God and Country, the histor- for the Harrisonburg Police Department. ic book of daily devotions for military troops, to patients at a Houston hospital that annually cares for more than 7,000 veterans.’

Tom Murphy, chaplain of the Harrisonburg Po- lice Department (center), presents Lieutenant R. D. Knott with a copy of Strength for Service to God and Community. Bill Pollard, a member of Otterbein UM Men (right), holds a few of the 52 books given to the department. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

HOUSTON, Texas Retired police officer spreads the words Dan Ramsey, a retired Houston police officer, serves as a one-person distribution center for SFS books. The books were provided by World Wide Technology. He gave 104 copies of Strength for James Marion reviews a copy of Strength for Service to God and Community to Hous- Service to God and Country, a book he later ton-based Emergency Service Chaplains gave to former military officers under the care whose members serve as pastoral counsel- of Camp Hope. ors, crisis-intervention officers, and grief UM MEN | Fall 2017 | 27 Organizer of city-wide celebration named to SFS Board BEAUMONT, Texas– – Once the project was shared, the community he principal architect a city-wide event to was eager to be a part of such an oppor- Thonor first responders has been elected tunity. We located a speaker, an amazing a member of the Strength for fire fighter from New York City Service Board of Directors. who had not only a story to Anna Jane Brian (known to share, but understood our mis- her friends as AJ) was elected sion and helped to bring it to as the 12th member of the fruition.” board during a June 28 confer- At the conclusion of the ence phone call. She joined the event the group was able to board at a September meeting donate $10,000 to the “100 in Nashville. Club” of southeast Texas. AJ was first introduced to AJ received her undergrad- Strength for Service when her uate degree from East Baptist local church distributed copies College in 1971, and her grad- of Strength for Service to God uate degree from East Texas and Country to veterans during AJ Brian State University in 1975. Most of Veterans Day in 2015. 33 year teaching career was spent A few months later she learned about teaching kindergarten and music to elemen- Strength for Service to God and Community, tary school children in low socio-economic a book which was especially interesting to communities. She retired from teaching in her as she is the mother of a captain with 2008 and became a director of the Claybar Beaumont Fire/Rescue Team. Funeral Home. She joined forces with others to plan AJ is married to John Brian, a fellow grad- “Duty Calls,” a 2017 event where copies of uate of East Texas Baptist College. After stint the book would be given to all first respond- in the U.S. Army, John worked with the ers in Beaumont. Texas Children’s Protective and Regulatory “As the work continued the event became Services. After retiring from the state he more than just providing the books, it served as a social worker and grief counselor became an opportunity to recognize and for a hospice. honor each of our first responders,” said The couple have two sons, Russell, a AJ. “We created and distributed sponsorship captain with Beaumont Fire/Rescue, and packets to area businesses and organizations. Kevin, a hospice nurse.

A PIRATE’S TALE pirate, then said, “And I suppose the shark bit your hand off, too, huh?” sailor was walking along a pier “Arghhh,” the old pirate replied, “a sword A when he saw an old pirate sitting fight with the great grandson of Black Beard on a bench. At first the sailor supposed the Pirate cut me hand off.” him to be an employee of Sea World, “Yes, of course it did,” the sailor answered, taking a lunch break in his costume. totally incredulous, “and I suppose the But as he drew nearer he saw that the sword poked your eye out as well?” old pirate really had a peg leg, a hook “Arghhh,” the old pirate replied, “a seagull for a hand, and a patch over his eye. dropping landed in me eye.” The sailor asked, “Hey mister, how did you “Wait a minute,” the sailor retorted, lose your leg?” “you expect me to believe that a seagull “Arghhh,” the old pirate replied, “a shark dropping put your eye out?” on the high seas ate me leg.” “Arghhh,” the old pirate replied, “it was The sailor, finding it hard to believe the me first day with the hook!”

28 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN HUMOR What is a PATH of STUDY? Often people struggle with what study to use for themselves or their small group. For those who do not have the resources or the time to research how to get started in a study, what to study, or how to go deeper, The Upper Room offers suggestions through paths of study. These paths of study categorize resources by topics and levels of study to help you choose the best options for you or your group. Here are the levels: Knowing Christ— for those who desire to have a relationship with Jesus. Growing in Christ— for those who already have a relationship with Jesus and want to build on it. Serving Christ— for those seeking ways to serve God and neighbor. Sharing Christ— meeting people where they are and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

For details, visit PathsOfStudy.UpperRoomBooks.com to find resources to fit your specific needs. Three precious gems by Tom Tozer and Bill Black

hese are unsettled times. Everywhere What’s fair? Tyou turn people are shaking their Ethics. Is it right to cheat on a test at Dad’s Zone Dad’s heads at the new wave of incivility that school? How is cheating unfair to your has infected our society. classmates, to yourself? Is it import- Some attribute the current social high ant always to be first in line? What does temperature to the rancor of political dis- it mean to live an honorable life? What course. Others point to a lack of positive does it mean to be fair, to share, to be role models. Still others link bad behav- impartial? ior to the pervasiveness of crime linked to poverty, racism and drugs. Start a home school • Teach right from wrong and make it At the root of it all stick. We believe all those things are symp- • Teach forgiveness among your toms of a much larger social ill—the near children and be forgiving. collapse of the family unit and the break- down of adult mentoring. We mean • Teach love as an action and a habit. teaching our children how to conduct • Teach patience and understanding, be themselves as civilized and respectable slow to anger, and listen. human beings. Let’s blow the dust off and We’ve all heard it said that a husband polish up three old and precious gems— and wife should never go to bed angry at morals, values and ethics. each other. That should be true for the What’s right, what’s not? entire family. Estrangement in a family Morals. Many children (adults, too) should be no option. If there are wounds, need to be reminded that there are heal them. If you’re a young dad, take it definite rights and wrongs. What is from two granddads. The older you get, unacceptable language? Why is it unac- the more you will regret leaving family ceptable? What is obscene behavior? Why wounds untreated. Reintroduce “The do we consider it obscene? How does Golden Rule.” Rebuild the family fortress inappropriate behavior stick to you like and make it the keystone of a social Gorilla Glue and change people’s per- revolution. ception of you—or your perception of yourself? A FREE BOOK OR T-SHIRT What’s it worth? Will you help us share our Dads2Dads Values. What does life mean to you? column with more dads across the Why is life precious? What would you like country? your future to be? What does it feel like to E-mail us the name of your local news- be a friend to someone? How do you feel paper, the editor, and a contact e-mail when you see someone who doesn’t have or phone #. Send your information a friend? How should we respond when to [email protected]. we see someone who is physically or men- We will make contact. If that newspa- tally different from us? What is empathy? per agrees to run our column—thanks to you—we will send you a copy of our book or a Dads2Dads T-shirt. It’s that simple. 30 | Fall 2017 | UM MEN October/November/December 2017 Volume 53, No. 4

UM Men Awards Deborah Chandler Bruce Pick- Daughter joins father in John elheimer for serving Wesley Society as secre- BOULDER, Colo.–– tary of the eborah’s father, Joe, died in 1995 at the UM Men age of 63. D organiza- Bruce Pickelheimer helped In 1994, he told his tion, taking renovate this house for United three children to skip church giving Christmas, birth- photos, popping popcorn for church events, day and Father’s Day and for serving as cashier for the men’s ga- gifts. He asked them, rage sale. He also helped renovate a house instead, to provide funds for United Theological School students and to make him a mem- prepared program flyers and bulletins for ber of the John Wesley the church and the Miami Valley District Society. UM Men. He also serves on the executive Ever since Joe Chan- Deborah provides committee of the District UM Men and dler’s death on Father’s maintains their database. Day, 1995, Deborah has a photo of herself as a Blue Bird “Whenever you want something done, been making twice-a-year Bruce is always willing to lend a helping gifts to the UM Men with her father, Joe Chandler. hand,” said Bill Brown, president of Faith Foundation to honor her Community UM Men. father, a former Marine W. Travis Doss and the organizer of a UM Men organization in First UMC of Lay leader officiates basketball Park Ridge, Ill. games In 2016, the foundation inducted Debo- AUGUSTA, Ga.–– rah into the John Wesley Society along with en of Burns Memorial UMC present- her father. Med a Life Membership Award to W. The award was presented to her by Larry Travis Doss for his service as chair of the Coppock in 2017. Administrative Board, the Staff-Parish Rela- tions Committee, the Finance Committee, Bruce Pickelheimer and the Board of Trustees. The 52-year member of Burns also served as president Chief popcorn popper renovates of the “Seekers” and “Fellowship” Sunday house for seminary students school classes. XENIA, Ohio–– The lay leader, a member of the Nom- en of Faith Community UMC pre- ination and Lay Leadership Committee Msented a Life Membership Award to and head official for the Upward Basketball

Editor: Rich Peck Please send MensNews submissions to: Rich Peck 1000 17th Ave. S. • Nashville, TN 37212 [email protected] league, still found time to assist with UM Alumni Association, the Man High Quarterback Men fund-raising activities and service Club, and was a charter member of the Man projects, including laying tile in the church High School Hall of Fame. sanctuary. Bill worked for more than 40 years for Island Creek Coal Company and Pittston Coal Dennis M. Fairbanks Company. The former little league coach loved Curmudgeons induct member into golfing and gardening. Those left to cherish his memory are his be- John Wesley Society loved wife of 53 years, Sally Cline; one daughter, SPRINGFIELD, Va.–– Shawn (Terry) Riggins, three grandsons, and hrist’s two great-grandsons. CCurmud- geons, an Charles Learned organization Treasurer generates the funds he of Messiah UMC, induct- sends out ed Dennis LA GRANGE, Texas–– Fairbanks into en of first UMC presented Charles Learned with a Life Membership the John Wes- From left: David Stottlemyer, M ley Society. Award for his service as treasurer of UM chair of Christ’s Curmudgeons, Men. The April and Louise B. Mannarino, breakfast at Charles the woman who nominated also coordi- Springfield GolfDennis for the award, present and Country nates some a John Wesley plaque to Den- 200 volun- Club honored nis M. Fairbanks. Dennis for his teers who “distinguished operate bar- service to his fellow man and for his commit- becue sales ment to the teachings of the Christian faith.” during a Volunteers assemble a personal 2-week annual energy transportation unit for Bill Cline antique show Brazos Valley Mobility Worldwide. Men honor deceased leader in Warrenton. Barbecue sales support a variety of mission DAVIN, W.Va.–– projects including the Brazos Valley Mobility M Men of Claypool UMC presented a Worldwide. Charles serves on the board of posthumous Life Membership Award to U directors of this ministry and every month Bill “Big Dog” Cline, who died at age 78 in he leads work crews to build these hand- November, 2016. crank vehicles for those who cannot walk. The men honored Bill as the longest active member of UM Men and a superintendent of the Sunday school, chair of The Rev. Dr. Homer E. Morris the Board of Trustees, lay Men honor retiring pastor leader, a member of the DURHAM, N.C.–– choir, and a certified lay M Men of Aldersgate UMC honored speaker. UDr. Morris on June 25, the Sunday Bill was a 1957 graduate prior to his retirement as a UM clergyman. of Man High School A graduate of Central Bible College (B.A) where he played football. and Asbury Theological Seminary (M.Div. He was a member of the and D.Min.), he was ordained deacon in Bill Cline Old Man High School 1977 and elder in 1979. He served churches

32 all over North Carolina George and Marian prior to his appointment to Gilmore proudly display Aldersgate UMC in 2015. the Life Membership He is the author of Award following the Utilizing Word Pictures in June presentation at Narrative Sermons and Fill- Lakeview UMC. ing Father’s Shoes, a 1999 The Rev. Dr. book-on-tape. ship Award for his many contributions to Homer Morris. “Not only has Dr. Morris been a supporter for UM the church and community. Men over the last 40 years, he has also sup- A professional electrician and vice chair of ported his wife, Debra, and their children: the Board of Trustees, George has provid- Christy, John and Aaron,” said Brandon ed electrical wiring for a variety of church Mitchell, president of Aldersgate UM Men. projects. Donna Ireland Judy Cross Lambert Men honor Fifty-three years of treasure storing organist and teacher ELLOREE, S.C.–– LEWISVILL, N.C. –– lloree UMC en of Har- presented E mony Grove Judy Cross M UMC presented Lambert with the Susanna Wesley the Susanna Award of Excellence Wesley Award of to Donna Ireland for Excellence. her service as an ad- The Rev. Barry The Rev. Barry Allen presents ministrative assistant, Allen, pastor of Judy Lambert with a Susanna church organist, and the Elloree Charge, Wesley Award. a teacher of a youth highlighted how Sunday school class. Judy, who serves as Donna is also ac- chair of the Church Council and lay leader, stored tive and holds offices up “treasures in heaven” through 53 years of service in the local church to Christ and The UMC. Judy also serves as a and district units of Donna proudly holds certified lay servant and a lay member of the South UM Women. her Susanna Award. Carolina Annual Conference. A graduate of Winthrop University and a teacher in Orangeburg and Calhoun County schools. Judy The Rev. Richard Vance and Joe has been married to Warren Lambert for more than Strausbaugh 53 years, and they are parents of two adult children, Two staff members inducted into Dr. Elizabeth Lambert and Mrs. Constance Watkins. John Wesley Society uring a John Wesley Society dinner at George Gilmore Dthe National Gathering of UM Men, Church honor electrician the UMM Foundation inducted the Rev. SUN CITY, Ariz.–– Richard Vance, director of men’s ministry, en of Lakeview UMC presented and Joe Strausbaugh, charter system admin- MGeorge Gilmore with a Life Member- istrator, into the John Wesley Society.

33 CONYERS, Ga.— would not compromise his convictions.” . Ross Freeman, 90, a leader of men’s Ross is survived by three children, nine Gministry and a pastor for 52 years, died grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and July 3. four great-great grandchildren. Ross began his ministry at age 17 as a circuit pastor in WINTER HAVEN, Fla.–– rural coastal Georgia. ony Perry, 68, former vice president of He went on to TUM Men in serve for 15 years as the North Central director of super- Jurisdiction and vised leadership at a volunteer for Candler School of men’s ministry, Theology. He also died June 29. served for 10 years The Rev. Dr. G. Ross He was born in as executive director Freeman Ironton, Ohio in of the Southeastern 1948, graduated Jurisdictional Con- from South Point ference Council on Ministries, and seven High School in years as editor of the Wesleyan Christian 1966, and served Advocate, the state-wide UM newspaper. He in the U.S. Air retired in 1993. Force from 1969 to Tony Perry in 2007, the Larry Price, former president of the 1972. day of his induction into Southeastern Jurisdiction of UM Men, de- Tony received a the John Wesley Society. livered the eulogy, B.S. degree from “Ross was a champion for men’s min- Ohio University in 1973, and a master’s istry,” said Larry. “He faithfully used his degree from the same school in 1981. gifts entrusted to him by God to build In 2004, after four heart attacks and two dynamic and productive partnerships with bypass surgeries, Tony was forced to give Christ’s men at the national, jurisdictional, up his position conference, district, and local levels. Ross as a school particularly helped with 15 jurisdictional administrator. conferences for UM Men, and he helped set He and his wife, up the website for the jurisdiction.” Margaret, sold Ross and Roy Lifsey helped establish the their home and G. Ross Freeman Foundation, an organi- traveled around zation formed in 2002 to annually award the U.S. to pastors in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. promote men’s Ross was the author of A Journey Beyond, ministry. Tony told conference presidents of a book that traces Ross’ 50-year journey UM Men to “use him and abuse him.” from the wrong side of the tracks to posi- “Throughout all the heart attacks, I died a tions of leadership in the UMC. In a review couple of times on the table. I’m just glad to of the autobiography, Bishop William R. have this chance to spread Christ’s message,” Cannon, wrote, “Ross said what needed said Tony. to be said, took a stand on issues, and he

34 October/November/December 2017 Volume 53, No. 4 Church’s big presence at Boy Scout Jamboree By Joey Butler GLEN JEAN, W.Va. (UMNS)— 85-member pastoral support staff at the t wasn’t hard to find a UM among the jamboree. Icrowd of 30,000 attendees at the 2017 During the 10-day event, chaplains play National Scout Jamboree. a big role. It’s a long time for young people The UMC is the second-largest faith group to be away from home, and the same goes represented at the event, with 3,500 at the for the 1,500 volunteers. Even at such a fun quadrennial celebration, held July 19-28 at event, it can be a trying experience. the Summit-Bechtel Reserve. “They use us to diffuse tense situations, West Virginia Area Bishop Sandra Steiner maybe arguments, maybe a kid or an adult is Ball presided over the UM Holy Commu- dealing with something difficult, homesick nion service on July 23. She also received the or something bad going on at home,” said Susanna Wesley Award of Excellence. Larry the Rev. Tanya Edwards-Evans, Mississippi Coppock, director of scouting ministries for Conference. “We’re here so people know UM Men, was recognized for his 20-year our faces and are OK coming to us with a career with the commission. Coppock is problem.” retiring in 2018, so this is his last jamboree Edwards-Evans is one of only two women as director. pastors on the chaplain staff, so she stays busy as she’s often called to counsel girls and UM chaplains women. There are 15 UM chaplains on the

UM clergy gather at the Nashville office of the Commission on UM Men during an April event where they received training to be chaplains for the jamboree.

Editor: Larry Coppock Please send ScoutingNews submissions to: Larry Coppock OCYSA •1000 17th Ave. S. • Nashville, TN 37212 [email protected] Volunteer chaplains begin their day with a staff meeting at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS. Chaplains serve as peacemakers. and the staff caring for the injured. “You’re in a tent with three other people, “My whole thing is morale,” Edwards-Ev- so you get roommate issues. Volunteers may ans said. “People are exhausted. I make have issues in their marriages, maybe their people smile, and I really try to talk to the spouse didn’t want them to come and there’s volunteers. They pay to be here to do hard tension. It’s just giving people an ear,” said work like taking out trash.” the Rev. Creighton Alexander, Oklahoma UM exhibit Conference. In the “Duty to God and Country” tent, Alexander said because Scouts have youth and adults lined up at the UM Men’s different interests, chaplains move to each booth to learn more about the denomina- program area to pray with them and “tell tion’s dedication to scouting ministry. Cur- them we’re here for them.” rently, 327,000 youth meet in 7,000 UM The Rev. Terry Tilton, Minnesota Confer- churches in the U.S. ence, said he stresses how scouting teaches Tom McKee, a scouting ministry specialist appreciation of the world, “especially nature from Richmond, Va., said working at the and our place in it. booth is “an awesome opportunity we have Chaplains are on rotation in the medical here to reach out to the kids,” adding that unit, to minister both to those who are ill scouting brought him and his family to join a UM church. Gil Hanke, top executive of United Meth- odist Men, said the booth had been busy. “We’ve been active at our booth giving material on our ministries. A lot of people ask how we do what we do and it’s nice to share that good news,” Hanke said.

Joey Butler is a multi- media editor/producer for UM Communica- Rows of tents house Boy Scouts, staff and vol- tions. unteers at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, . W.Va. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

36 Scout leader protected U.S. from WMDs

DALE CITY, Va.–– ark Chipman, a 54-year veteran of Mscouting, spent 10 years keeping weapons of mass destruction (WMD) out of the hands of terrorists by locking down, monitoring, and destroying weapons and related materials. Serving as a project manager with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in Fort Belvoir, Va., from 2006 to 2016, Mark worked with the Military Advisory Group, the Biological Surveillance Group and the Department of Homeland Security to counter WMD capabilities in several nations, Over the years, Mark has served in many positions with several agencies, but his fa- vorites were serving on teams preparing the 1995 dedication ceremony for the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Today, Mark is able to spend more time Mark Chipman. on scouting as he is in the less-stressful post of being a self-employed real estate agent. basketball and softball with the UMM); Native of Michigan Lindenhurst, Ill. (chair of Church Board Mark was brought up in Stockbridge of Trustees and Finance Committee, while UMC and Westwood UMC in Kalamazoo teaching a senior high class); Wiesbaden Mich., and he is a graduate of Western (Germany) Air Base (restarted the scouting Michigan University (BS ‘78) and Troy Uni- program and worked with chapel youth versity (MS ‘88), but he is an avid fan of the groups); Seoul, Korea (served as merit University of Michigan Wolverines. badge counselor) and Woodbridge, Va. He also began his scouting career in 1963 (started a Cub Scout pack and a Boy Scout in Kalamazoo where he earned a God and troop at Old Bridge UMC; he also chaired Country Award and achieved the rank of the Finance Committee and taught senior Eagle in 1970. He also was elected to the high Sunday school class). Order of the Arrow and hiked the Sangre de Scouting posts Cristo Mountains out of the Philmont Scout It’s hard to think of a positon in scouting Ranch. Mark hasn’t held. Service in several cities On the local level, Mark has served as a Since leaving Michigan, Mark served for cubmaster, scoutmaster, chair of pack and 21 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a troop committees, and counselor for Eagle Lieutenant Colonel Chemical Officer. merit badges. Mark has served scouting and churches On the district level, he has served as in White Hall, Ark. (started a Cub Scout vice-chair for program, mastered several pack and taught a middle school Sun- camporees, and he served five years as the day school class); Anniston, Ala. (played program director of district day camps.

37 He has served the council as a unit com- UMC in Woodbridge, Va. missioner and as commissioner of the Cub He was married to the former Janice Scout Roundtable. He currently serves as Miller and is father to Jennifer, a GSA the Occoquan District commissioner of the Gold Award winner who lives in Maryland; National Capital Area Council. Patricia, a GSA Silver Award who lives in Mark earned Wood Badge Beads, God North Carolina; and Benjamin an Eagle and Service Recognition, Cub Scouter Scout who lives in Virginia. He is currently Award, District Award of Merit, Arrowhead married to Christina Chipman with four Honor, District Committee Key, Commis- step children; two of whom are Boy Scouts. sioner Key, and Silver Beaver. Asked about his favorite hobbies, Mark Mark says he is just starting to get his provided no surprise: “Scouting and work- feet wet as a scouting ministry specialist and ing in my yard.” he is currently learning who is who in the We don’t know much about his yard, but Alexandria UM District. He has also taken we do know scouting in the Alexandria on the lead role in an effort to reestablish District is blooming. the Faith Weaver K-5 Program for Bethel

Mark Chipman sits with an ant eater and some of his Cub Scouts following a visit to the Small Mammal House.

38 Scouting ministry specialist serves four scouting units

WATSONTOWN, Pa.–– Science, Paul has served as a member of the aul Huffman, an Eagle Scout and a National Eagle Scout Association since its Pscouting ministry specialist, serves as inception. unit commissioner for two Boy Scout troops Paul has received awards for taking Scouts and two Cub Scout packs. on hiking and camping trips at Valley Forge, Paul annually presents awards to outstand- the Gettysburg Battlefield, and the 59-mile ing Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts along with Loyalsock Hiking Trail. Cross and Flame Awards to adult workers Paul and his wife of 37 years have four with youth at Watsontown UMC. adult children and seven grandchildren. He Working with Pastor Ryan Kraus, Paul is is involved in both youth and outreach planning the fall launch of a PRAY (Pro- ministries, including a program to help needy grams of Religious Activities with Youth) children in the local school district. “God and Life” class at the church. Each summer, Paul participates in a “Kids A career Scout leader, Paul received the Café,” a ministry at Watsontown Memorial God and Country Award in 1969 and Park that provides free meals and activities achieved the rank of Eagle in 1971. He for local children. The ministry operates on went on to serve as assistant scoutmaster, the belief that “no child should go without a and scoutmaster prior to his service as unit nutritious meal or some heart-pumping fun.” commissioner. “It has been a very rewarding experience Paul attended a 1988 National Camping to serve as a scouting ministry specialist at School and subsequently served as program Watsontown UMC,” said Paul. “My service director of Susquehanna Council Scout to the scouting movement and furthering its Camp connection to God is very important. I only A recipient of bachelor and master degrees wish more adults in scouting would look into from the BSA College of Commissioner becoming scouting ministry specialists”

From left: The Rev. Ryan Krauss, pastor of Watsontown UMC; Charlotte Bryan, chair of Troop 610 Committee; Harry Hefty, chartered organization representative for Troop 610; and Huffman.

39 Alaska church has presented 114 PRAY awards

ANCHORAGE, Alaska –– and Country” award as a youth. “Our t. John UMC has presented a total faith calls us to serve others––to be servant Sof 114 PRAY (Programs of Religious leaders––and, as my life was influenced in Activities with Youth) Awards since the positive ways by servant leaders, I want to church began offering the program in try to do the same.” 2003. Of the 114 awards, 82 were earned by The Anchorage church surpassed the Boy Scouts, 29 by Girl Scouts (Girl Scouts 100 mark when it presented 15 awards on began participating at St. John in 2011), Boy Scout Sunday in February and three and three by members of the church’s awards on Girl Scout Sunday in March. youth group. The church offers all four PRAY classes In 2007, the first PRAY “Four Star (“God and Me” for 1st through 3rd grade; Award” in the State of Alaska was earned at “God and Family” for 4th through 6th grades, St. John by Michael Anderson. The “Four “God and Church” for 6th through 8th Star Award” is awarded to an individual grades, and “God and Life” for 9th through who has earned all four PRAY awards. 12th grades). In addition to youth religious awards, St. John Anderson, has served as a teacher/ John UMC has conferred 24 adult awards counselor at St. John for nearly all of the for exceptional service to youth during this awards. same 14-year time period. The church pre- “I feel called to this ministry because of sented 22 UM “Cross and Flame” Awards, the time and effort that was given to me one PRAY “God and Service” Award, by my pastor and scoutmaster when I was and one PRAY “Building Faith in Youth” young,” said Anderson, who earned a “God Award.

The 2017 class of Scouts join their families after receiving PRAY awards. The Rev. Andy Bartel, pastor of St. John UMC, is third from left in the fourth row. John Anderson is third from right in the third row.

40 Scouting Awards Chase Newsom Award Girl Scout, was honored for her work Scout provides defibrillator with the Girl Scout troop at Chestnut Me- morial UMC She helped her brother build ENNIS, Texas–– the playground, assisted with a “Sweetheart irst UMC pre- Banquet,” and helped clean up the church sented Chase F grounds. Newsom with a “She believes in giving back to the Good Samaritan community and her church, where she can Award following always be found doing something to help a successful Eagle others,” said Ewing. project to provide the church with two defibrillators. He also helped train church members how Chase Newsom to use the devices within seconds of a heart attack. Chase received private donations in order The Rev. Tom Tipton, pastor of Christ UMC to purchase the devices. (center), presents Good Samaritan Awards to “He completed this task with a servant’s B. J, and Julio. heart and with great humility,” said Rodney Rudd, church lay leader. Jackson Breaux Munsell As president of the youth group, Chase Game programmer serves on mission also led community-service projects to teams provide clothing and meals for people strug- LAFAYETTE, La.–– gling with difficult life issues. sbury UMC presented Jackson Breaux Munsell Awith a Good Samaritan Award following Julio and B.J. Salazar his participation on four annual mission trips to Panama. Church honors siblings He also served on mission teams traveling to NEWPORT NEWS, Va.–– Philadelphia Miss.; Quincy, Fla; and San Marcos, hrist UMC presented Julio Salazar and Texas. Chis sister Blanche B.J. Salazar with The president of the Asbury UMC youth group Good Samaritan Awards also served on the District and Conference Coun- Julio was honored for his Eagle project cils of Youth Ministries. to build a playground at York Assembly of Graduating first in a high school class of 509 God Church. students, Jackson is the founder of Manic Machines, Noting how the high school junior a game-development company. He conceived and helped with the UM Men Sweetheart engineered Hexaria, a game that has been played Banquet and other activities, Tim Ewing, 1.8 million times; two additional games have been the scouting coordinator for the York River played 500,000 times. District, said, “I just wish I had a few more He spent the summer following graduation as an kids as Julio, I just sit back and watch this intern at Roblox, a gaming site for kids and teens in young man lead the troop or any tasks he is San Mateo, Calif. asked to do.” Jackson also served as president of the high B.J., a freshman in college and a Silver school Spanish Club and captain of the soccer team.

41 Hayden Adkins watching him achieve the rank of Eagle. Scout receives PRAY award at na- Don holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College and a master’s Society of St. Andrew tional breakfast Gleaning America's Fields degree in journalism from the University of Feeding America's Hungry ORLANDO, Fla.–– Georgia. th ayden Adkins, a 7 -grade student at He served as a U.S. Army officer and HSun- broadcaster for the American Forces Radio ridge Mid- and TV Network in Vietnam. dle School He is a lay speaker in the UMC. We Have a Program For You! in Winter Garden, Everything you need for your next UMMen Meeting Fla., re- Tyler Norris and Marissa Vetter ceived the Church honors Boy Scout and Girl The Society of St. Andrew is an official Affiliate Partner of the United God and Scout Methodist Men. As partners, UMMen and SoSA run two national program Church Larry Coppock (left) and Greg TOLEDO, Ohio–– Award Godwin (right) congratulate pworth UMC presented Good Samari- areas: Meals for Millions and Hunger Relief Advocates. Together, during the Hayden during the national BSA Etan Awards to Tyler Norris and Marissa we help feed the hungry in our communities. With this free, easy-to-use, “Duty to meeting in Orlando. Vetter on Scout Sunday. complete Meeting Kit, members at your next meeting will learn about our God Break- Photo by Bob Vogt. Tyler led teams providing 200 service partnership and how they can get involved. fast” as part hours at Camp Silver Heights in New Albany, to the May 24-35 National BSA meeting. Ind., as part of the requirement to achieve the Hayden serves as chaplain’s aide of Troop rank of Eagle. Scouts poured a concrete side- Our online order form allows you to order the full Meeting Kit, including 210 charted to First UMC, and he received walk and a pad for a dumpster, built stairs for stories of UMMen in ministry with SoSA, introductory video, PowerPoint, the award from his father, Virgil Adkins. a cabin, and leveled swing sets. Marissa served as a mentor to younger brochures, talking points, and how to get involved in your community. Don Dare Girl Scouts and participated in “Six Super Broadcaster serves as emcee at Saturdays of Service.” FREE national event MEETING ORLANDO, Fla.–– Autumn Parker KIT on Dare, an Emmy Award-winning Raises funds and secures books for Dreporter for WATE-TV in Knoxville, literacy ministry Tenn., served as the emcee for the “Duty to HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn.–– God Breakfast” at the May 24-25 National ood Shepherd UMC presented BSA meeting. GAutumn Parker with a Good Samaritan A former scoutmas- Award for leading a community-drive to ter, cubmaster, and provide books and funds for Project district chairman, Don Transformation, a literacy-based ministry now serves as president that serves more than 600 children and of Southern Region youth. 6, which includes BSA The 18-year-old participates in Room councils in Kentucky, in the Inn, a ministry providing meals and Tennessee, and Missis- overnight accommodations for homeless sippi. Don Dare serves as people, and she joined a 2016 mission trip A recipient of the Sil- emcee for the “Duty to Haiti. She also assists with child care, ver Antelope and Silver to God Breakfast. Communion services, and ushering. Beaver Awards, Don “She has always done more than anyone Order your free Meeting Kit at EndHunger.org/UMM Photo by Bob Vogt. says his proudest scout- has asked of her,” says Tiffany Smith, Or get involved by contacting Meals for Millions director ing moments were going youth minister at Good Shepherd UMC. Wade Mays at 800-333-4597 or [email protected] on a Philmont trip with his son, Brent, and

42

UMM_3rd_Qtr_2017.indd 1 7/24/2017 11:47:01 AM Society of St. Andrew Gleaning America's Fields Feeding America's Hungry We Have a Program For You! Everything you need for your next UMMen Meeting

The Society of St. Andrew is an official Affiliate Partner of the United Methodist Men. As partners, UMMen and SoSA run two national program areas: Meals for Millions and Hunger Relief Advocates. Together, we help feed the hungry in our communities. With this free, easy-to-use, complete Meeting Kit, members at your next meeting will learn about our partnership and how they can get involved.

Our online order form allows you to order the full Meeting Kit, including stories of UMMen in ministry with SoSA, introductory video, PowerPoint, brochures, talking points, and how to get involved in your community.

FREE MEETING KIT

Order your free Meeting Kit at EndHunger.org/UMM Or get involved by contacting Meals for Millions director Wade Mays at 800-333-4597 or [email protected]

UMM_3rd_Qtr_2017.indd 1 7/24/2017 11:47:01 AM PAID PERMIT 3452 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE U.S. NASHVILLE, TN NASHVILLE, Please share with all of the men church. Please share

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